The incomparable Kendrick Lamar started the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards with a bang when he turned in scintillating performances of his critically acclaimed DAMN. singles, “DNA” and “Humble” at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Donning an orangish-red outfit that almost resembles a jail jumpsuit, K. Dot launched into a furious performance of “DNA” as bright cylindrical streams of light beamed onto the stage, forming what could be described as the bars in a prison cell. Known as an incredibly energetic performer, K. Dot rapped with just as much intensity as he does on the song, employing a shouting, machine gun flow despite the fact he was running across the stage like a mad man.

From there, the Compton rapper kneeled just before jumping into an even crazier performance of “Humble.” For that bit, Kung Fu Kenny had people rocking martial arts outfits climbing a flame-engulfed fence as he stepped onto a second stage where a martial artist shadow boxed while literally being on fire. Yeah, there was a lot going on.

K. Dot was the first rapper to take the stage during the actual 2017 VMAs, but just before the show, the ascendant Cardi B turned in a dope performance of “Bodak Yellow” at the event’s pre-show.